Because of concerns raised over the less-than safe placement of the fuel
tank in 1993-2004 Jeep Cherokees and 2002-2007 Jeep Libertys, The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began an investigation of
their safety in 2010. The deaths of more than 75 people suggests the fuel
tank was placed in the vehicle incorrectly.
As opposed to industry standards whereby gas tanks are placed in front
of the rear axle to protect it in cases of rear-end accidents, Jeep chose
to place the tanks for the Cherokee and Liberty models behind the rear
axle, just under a foot from the bumper. This constitutes a risk of explosions
in the event of an accident.
While NHTSA attempted to enforce a recall of almost 3 million Jeep vehicles,
Chrysler contested the recall after purchasing Jeep in 2009. Once the
U.S. Department of Transportation became involved, Chrysler voluntarily
opted to recall 1.5 million Cherokee and Liberty vehicles and have a tow
package installed in the rear of the vehicle to offer further protection
for the gas tank.
Since this decision in 2013, however, only 3% of the vehicles have been
equipped with a tow package and NHTSA has become frustrated with the time
it took to recall the 1.5 million Chrysler vehicles. Many also question
whether tow packages will provide vehicles with adequate protection for
the gas tanks at all.
The victims of gas tank explosions all around the country have filed lawsuits
accusing the manufacturer knew the risks involved with the tanks but failed to act.
Glenda Cochran Associates, Attorneys at Law can fight for your right to
recover damages if you or a loved one suffered harm because of a gas tank
explosion.